Our Courses

Sandbox Sessions – Fall 2023

The Sandbox Sessions have been designed to bring together small groups of industry colleagues to “play” around with a series of FREE themed sessions delivered in a very informal and interactive setting.   Each session will be led by an industry leader who will provide a brief presentation on a practice or idea they have been focusing on within their business or community.   The goal of these sessions is to create a space to share ideas during these crazy times and to share thoughts, questions and ideas with like-minded colleagues!

Format

The Sandbox Sessions have a very simple and informal format.  We will be using the online platform Zoom to bring together 12-16 industry colleagues.  What we ask is that you come ready to interact, share your ideas, ask your questions and simply just be willing to share.  Registration for these sessions are taken on a first come, first served basis and are free to industry.   We will record and post the sessions.

The Sandbox Sessions

Topic: Comment intégrer une nouvelle génération de bénévoles?

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 – 10:00 – 11:15 AM AST (10:30 – 11:45 AM NT) 

Nouvelle génération, nouvelles valeurs pour une meilleure intégration.  Découvrez de nouvelles façons d’intégrer de nouveaux bénévoles dans vos organisations par le mentorat. Découvrez les valeurs qui motivent cette nouvelle génération de bénévoles à s’impliquer avec passion et de façon innovante.  Partageons ensemble de nouvelles façons pour recruter vos bénévoles.

Joanne est Directrice générale de l’Office du tourisme Edmundston Madawaska depuis sa création en 2002 etprésidente de l’Association de l’industrie touristique du N.-B.  depuis Mai 2008.  Elle a cumulé diverses fonctions dans sa carrière professionnelle, entre autres  pour le Service des Parcs et Loisirs de la ville d’Edmundston pendant 9 années, a titre de coordonnatrice des loisirs, régisseur aux arts  et aux sports, a la direction de la Chambre de commerce d’Edmundston, et instructeur en tourisme pour le Centre d’Excellence du tourisme en Atlantique.   Elle a assumé la présidence de divers organismes communautaires, événementiels et touristiques, entre autres le Salon du livre d’Edmundston, le Festival de Jazz & Blues d’Edmundston, et le partenariat touristique du Canada Atlantique.

Presenter: Joanne Bérubé Gagné, Office du Tourisme Edmundston Madawaska, Edmundston, N.-B

(séance présentée en français)

Register HERE


Topic: Challenges & Opportunities for Newcomers in the Tourism Sector

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – 10:00 – 11:15 AM AST (10:30 – 11:45 AM NT) 

While there are many opportunities for newcomers in the tourism sector, there can also be numerous challenges.  During this session, Damon Clarke from the Association for New Canadians (ANC) will provide an overview of ANC programs and services that can be very helpful for tourism businesses and organizations as well as for newcomers.  He will also discuss some of the challenges newcomers face when coming to Atlantic Canada, particularly those related to working in the tourism sector.

Through his work with the ANC, Damon covers the Western NL region from St. Anthony to Port aux Basques.  His background is in media, communications, economic development and municipal planning.   Damon has also worked on federal and provincial elections, four census operations and he owns and operates two businesses.

Presenter: Damon Clarke, Regional Settlements Coordinator Association for New Canadians, Corner Brook, NL

Register HERE


Topic: Shifting the Narrative – Discovering, Connecting, and Mobilizing for Community-Driven Change

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – 10:00 – 11:15 AM AST (10:30 – 11:45 AM NT)

Change is all around us, and as societies, we’re surrounded by increasingly complex opportunities and challenges on a local and global scale. It remains as important as ever to understand how to effectively prepare for, adapt to, and actively shape future possibilities. At the Centre for Employment Innovation, we believe that as communities, organizations, and individuals, we collectively have the assets and strengths to inspire meaningful change, address local challenges, and shape a future that truly works for all. This session will focus on how we might re-centre community and shift the narrative about how change and development happen. We will explore values, practices, and stories of asset-based, community-driven development (ABCD) and how ABCD can support and strengthen community well-being.

As the Executive Lead for the Centre for Employment Innovation (Coady Institute and St. Francis Xavier University), Jess Popp (she/her) is committed to Moses Coady’s vision of “a full and abundant life for all” and strongly believes that collaboration, critical reflection and learning, and collective action are necessary to create vibrant and thriving communities. Inspired by community-driven development, Jess’s work aims to connect people, develop equitable partnerships, and foster collaborative and strengths-based approaches to better support communities and systems change.

Presenter: Jess Popp (she/her), Executive Lead, Centre for Employment Innovation, Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS

Register HERE


Topic: Moments that Matter – Crafting Experiences and Moments that Matter to you and the Community you Surround Yourself 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 – 10:00 – 11:15 AM AST (10:30 – 11:45 AM NT) 

Lori McCarthy will share how she crafts little moments that matter and incorporated them into experiences for her guests.  These are not tricks, “hooks” or business strategies, these are opportunities to share with guests why you do what you do.  In this session I will share the art of engaging people in what you care about, and how to best share your passion and purpose in an effective, meaningful and engaging way.  Lori hopes that you will leave inspired and with a little extra insight into how to craft experiential moments and truly mean something to you and your community.
Lori identifies fiercely as a Newfoundlander and her passion for the land is matched only by her passion for food culture.  She is the founder and operator of Food Culture Place, a Cultural Food Residency program crafted to invite people to experience the island’s way of life.  The days are designed to share a better understnaidng of the people and place that she holds so closer to her heart, ensuring the next generation who will inherit the land will keep the traditions alive and will care for it with great pride.
Presenter: Lori McCarthy, Food Culture Place, Mobile, NL

Register HERE


Topic: Lead with a Sparkle: How to Motivate your Team and Propel your Business Forward

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 – 10:00 – 11:15 AM AST (10:30 – 11:45 AM NT) 

In just two short decades, Benjamin Bridge has developed some of the most unique Nova Scotia wines on the market, distinguishing itself as Canada’s premiere sparkling wine house.  In addition to being product innovators, the company has been innovative and creative in many other aspects of the business.  Join Brittany Parker, Head of Hospitality, to hear about the ups and downs in the development of Benjamin Bridge’s recently launched winter experience and learn about their new concept for a fall experience.  The session will also cover some of the innovative workplace practices that Benjamin Bridge has adopted, including a 4-day work week, community volunteering and their CSA program.

Brittany Parker has worked with Benjamin Bridge for 10 years, beginning in the accounting department and then into growing a new hospitality program in 2018 when the winery decided to officially open to the public. Since then, their hospitality program and team have grown and Benjamin Bridge has been creating new exciting offerings and memorable experiences for their guests to enjoy!

 

Presenter: Brittany Parker, Head of Hospitality, Benjamin Bridge Winery, Gaspereau, NS

Register HERE